thistime's progress

badger1 · **Posted:** Mon Mar 09, 2015 3:24 pm

hi thistime,

good to hear from you & thanks for sharing your experiences. I don't think it's indulgent to post this, I'm certainly interested in the transition to post-TSM life

I wonder whether you've considered trying Naltrexone rather than Nalmefene - maybe it would allow you to drink in moderation with some enjoyment in a way that the Nalmefene isn't?

-badger

UKblonde · **Posted:** Mon Mar 09, 2015 4:20 pm

thistime2014 wrote:

Hi all

I've kind of been absent for awhile, nigeir gave me a prod so here is my update.

With all these things it's complex,

As some may remember I managed to reach the point where I no longer felt compelled to drink but when it happened it came so fast that I wasn't prepared mentally. So I continued to take the pill and drink as and when I felt like it.

However the drinking was horrid and it effected my appetite as well. It was like antibuse. I began to realise that it isn't possible for me to control my drinking using nalmefene so initially I stopped completely.

Then I tried to drink without the Nalmefene and the drinking was still naff for a while so I decided to see how long it would take to go back to old drinking. About 3 weeks, then I started up with the Sinclair method and 2 weeks later I lost the compulsion but gained the horrid effects of drinking with the pill.

I'm not actually worried about the experimenting on and off the Sinclair method, it's a journey and I will work it out in the end.

I was concerned to continue posting whilst others were waiting for a breakthrough it seems a bit indulgent for me to be juggling with my own little experiments.

For me I now know that it's total abstinence or back to hell. Sinclair is a powerful tool but it's me that has to get off the bloody train.

Thank you nigeir

Ahhhh. Thanks for this, if you look up into the General Discussion section you'll see that I did try one Selincro this weekend, no booze and it knocked me right off my feet, so I can imagine what it feels like with alcohol although I do have a friend combining it with alcohol without any problem - but they do drink a lot!

nigelr · **Joined:** Sun Oct 12, 2014 3:48 am **Posts:** 163

it is good to hear from you, just to echo publicially as I am one of those that started at the same time as you, I am very happy that its working for you, it does give us hope.

I am most amazed about how quickly it happened, you really didnt do anything different? As far as indulgent experimenting, I would recommend and do the same, otherwise in the back of your head youll always be wondering.. what if. I do realise that for most it seems a life of no alcohol is the most likely scenario, I realised this early on the balance between not being that fussed about drink and the removal of endorphins would mean I'd likely chose none if I can ever get to that stage.

Personally im the same, I wonder if Nalmefene is a better drug that naltrexone, then I remind myself Naltrexone is what 90% of the people doing this take.

Maggie1929 · **Joined:** Thu Jan 22, 2015 12:27 pm **Posts:** 1691

Thistime - thanks for posting - yes I too like to read about others journeys as it gives us newer ones hope - also when it doesn't seem to be working as fast as we would like, it is motivation to keep going !!

thanks, Maggie x

thistime2014 · **Joined:** Tue Oct 07, 2014 3:31 am **Posts:** 128

Hi all

Update since last post is mostly all good. I'm down to 1 or 2 drinking nights a week. I have stopped taking nalmefen for now.

Following my TSM journey I have gone from uncontrollerable drinking at dangerous levels to being in control. For now I have no compulsion to drink the way I use too and on the nights I do have a drink I am able to keep my consumption at 6 to 8 units.

I'm very aware that stopping TSM is a dangerous path but it's the truth so I'm just being honest. If I start to crave or my units go above 20 in one week I'm prepared and ready to restart the nalmefen.

I have the hope that I will in time stop completely.

Oh for the record I stopped taking nalmefen only because the extreme nausea and other unpleasant side affects made it totally unrealistic to continue using the TSM as a way of controlled drinking.

UKblonde · **Posted:** Fri Mar 20, 2015 4:37 pm

thistime2014 wrote:

Hi all

Update since last post is mostly all good. I'm down to 1 or 2 drinking nights a week. I have stopped taking nalmefen for now.

Following my TSM journey I have gone from uncontrollerable drinking at dangerous levels to being in control. For now I have no compulsion to drink the way I use too and on the nights I do have a drink I am able to keep my consumption at 6 to 8 units.

I'm very aware that stopping TSM is a dangerous path but it's the truth so I'm just being honest. If I start to crave or my units go above 20 in one week I'm prepared and ready to restart the nalmefen.

I have the hope that I will in time stop completely.

Oh for the record I stopped taking nalmefen only because the extreme nausea and other unpleasant side affects made it totally unrealistic to continue using the TSM as a way of controlled drinking.

Ah yes, interesting about the side effects. Nalmefene was supposed to be 'better' than Naltrexone, less side effects.

I'll be interested to see how you go, most people who drink without the opiod blocker end up readdicted it would see, and that is sad. However the other option is to quit completely.

Go well x

badger1 · **Posted:** Fri Mar 20, 2015 4:58 pm

glad things are going well for you TT. I can't help thinking you're on a slippery slope drinking without Nal (of whatever flavour), although obviously you're well aware of this

if I remember correctly, you're also a UK-ite. if you'd like, I'd be happy to send you a few days' worth of Naltrexone to try instead of Nalmefene - PM me if you're interested

all the best

-badger

Maggie1929 · **Joined:** Thu Jan 22, 2015 12:27 pm **Posts:** 1691

PLEASE do not stop taking the Nal when you drink ..... you have worked so hard for this - do not spoil it for you !!!! You are really really doing SO well - it would be so sad if you went back to the beginning again .....I wish I was where you are and will ALWAYS take Nal if I was going to drink ----- PLEASE think long and hard about this ......

Hugs, Maggie xx

Guapo · **Joined:** Fri May 09, 2014 10:08 am **Posts:** 438

I'm with badger regarding the naltrexone. I tried Nalmefene and the side effects were horrendous, there are next to none with the naltrexone however. In the United States at least, it is significantly cheaper.

I would also agree that stopping at the Sinclair method is likely to Put you back where you were.

thistime2014 · **Joined:** Tue Oct 07, 2014 3:31 am **Posts:** 128

Hi All

It's great to have a support network that tells it as it is. I'm going to follow badgers suggestion and buy some naltrexone to see if they lessen the side effects. I know that others have stopped drinking altogether because the SE are to great and that's probably where I'll end up but for now I will abstain until the naltrexone arrive and see if I can settle down with those.

I've promised myself a limit of 2 days and no more than 20 units per week and in all honesty it's easy. However I do understand that over time what a slippery slope I was on.

So no more until I get the cover of naltrexone and then back to the GR and beyond!!!

Thank you all again

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